Physiologically active agents containing vicinal dithioglycols and use thereof in various branches of economy

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to the food and medical industries, medical cosmetics, dermatology, agriculture and the mixed feed industry. According to the invention vicinal dithioglycole (common formula RCH(SH)CH(SH)R −1  (I)) is used as a food additive, a food product, physiologically-active substances and active ingredients of forage additives and of forage, in cosmetic and/or dermatological and skin-therapeutic remedies. The invention comprises methods for producing such additives, products and remedies. The substance of formula (I) stimulates physiological processes, increases human and animal immunity, inhibits undesirable process in organisms and food products, produces curative and preventive action of skin, hair and nails and after vicinal dithioglycole is administered the intoxication effect of alcohol consumption known as hang-over is completely remored.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Food Production

The invention relates to the production of food and it may be used toobtain a food additive which extends the shelf life of food products anda food supplement which is able to improve the immunity and to provide aphysiologically beneficial effect; the supplement may be widely used foralleviating the hangover syndrome and which may be added into liquorsand soft drinks, into bakery products, confectionery and other food.

Cosmetology and Dermatology

The invention also relates to cosmetics, in particular to medicalcosmetics and dermatology and may be used to obtain novel cosmeticagents comprising, as active ingredients having cosmetic dermatologicalaction, vicinal dithioglycols which have physiologically beneficialproperties allowing to provide novel characteristics of cosmetic meansfor the treatment of skin and hair. The invention relates to a noveltopical formulation, to a method for using the formulation and to amethod for producing the same. It relates to compositions able toimprove the condition and appearance of skin and to provide therapeutic,therapeutic-prophylactic effect on the skin and which are able tobeneficially act on hair.

Animal and Poultry Keeping

The invention also relates to agriculture and may be us-ed, forinstance, for production of feed and mixed fodder, or in veterinary,when physiologically active substances and active ingredients areadministered to agricultural animals, pets and poultry, with feedadditives to enhance the immunity, to promote growth and importantphysiological processes in the organisms of the animals and poultry, toreduce the level of heavy metals and toxic compounds in milk of thedairy cattle and in meat of the livestock and poultry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Food Production

RU patent 2134045 C1 (published on Aug. 10, 1999) discloses a foodsupplement comprising a base and Eleuterococcus extract, as well as amethod for producing the supplement, comprising the steps of mixingingredients, pelleting and drying.

RU patent 2,131,680 C1 (1999) suggests to use lactulose as an additiveto soft drinks to alleviate the hangover syndrome to provide aprotecting effect on the liver. Lactulose may be added in dry or liquidform to soft drinks in a technologically acceptable amount. First, theadvantageous effect of lactulose is based on that it binds and bringsout from the body some toxic substances present in the consumed liquor,and second, it diminishes the stress effected on liver by ammonia andamines, by means of promoting the growth of anaerobic lactobacteria inlarge intestine.

RU 2005391 C1 (1994) discloses a soft drink “Ametist” for elimination ofharmful effects of consumption of beverage alcohol, such as ethanolwithdrawal syndrome and damaging effect of post-intoxication on theheart. The drink is prepared by adding choline and glycerol to water,mineral water or fruit or vegetable juice used as a liquid base, thisbase being a source of potassium and sodium salts and fructose. Saidadditives are added to the product in appropriate amounts.

RU 2129156 C1 (1999) discloses a method for preparing vodka, comprisingadding 10–50 mg/dim³ of succinic acid sodium salt thereof (sodiumsuccinate) to preliminary mixture of water and ethanol after thecharcoal treatment, to reduce toxic effect of ethanol and to improvequality and biological acceptability of vodka. The addition of saidsubstances results in esterification of ethyl alcohol with the acidresidue of succinic acid (succinate ion). In this reaction some esters(ethyl succinate, diethyl succinate) are formed, which have deodorizingproperties; the resulting vodka has a soft smooth taste without thestrong smell of ethyl alcohol. Furthermore, succinic acid is anantioxidant and prevents the formation of acetaldehydes from ethanol,thus reducing the harmful effect of vodka.

However the above mentioned ingredients, additives and supplements usedthe methods for preparation of beverages for alleviating the hangoversyndrome demonstrate low chemical activity against the formation ofstable water-soluble aldehydes and ketones which are responsible for thehangover. In addition, the prior art additives to alcohol-containingbeverages to alleviate the hangover, such as fumaric or glutamic acids,do not react with aldehydes and ketones which impair quality andbiological acceptability of liquors.

RU 2044543 C1 (1996) discloses the use of unithiol (a compound relatingto vicinal dithioglycols) in clinical practice as an antioxidant in acomplex with α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid for treatment of entericfever (typhoid).

Cosmetology and Dermatology

Skin is a complicated multi-component system comprising different tissuelayers, glands, follicules and other systems providing intracellular andextracellular flows. Therefore, only the means which take into accountthe complexity and specific characteristics of this system may beefficiently used for skin care. Skin and hair often lose somebiologically active substances because of the contact with coloringagents, cleaning agents and other chemicals, owing to non-balancednutrition of skin, hair or of the whole body. Said and other factorslead to disbalance of metabolic processes. The skin care is oftenconnected with the treatment of skin exposed to a harmful externalinfluence of heat, radiation or other deleterious conditions.

RU 2145841 C1 (2000) discloses a method for improving therapeuticproperties of vegetable preparations for care of the head skin and hair,comprising adding ceolite particles having a size distribution from 0.01to 10 μm in amount of 30 to 50 wt. % to the vegetable preparation afterdrying and grinding the vegetable starting material into powder.Advantageous dermatological properties of the vegetable preparationobtained by the method are connected with the surface absorption ofceolite particles, enhancing the ability of alkaloid molecules to act onthe hair and skin of the head, and this leads to enhancing thetherapeutic effect of medicinal herbs for treating skin disorders. Themethod is directed to the enhancement of the effect of biologicallyactive substances present in traditional vegetable components ofcosmetic products. Although the added ceolite comprises usefulmicroelements, it does not comprise substances promoting thetransference of the microelements deep into the skin tissue; the lack ofsaid substances to some extent reduces the therapeutic effect of thepreparation obtained by the method.

RU 2113216 C1 (1998) discloses a cosmetic formulation accelerating therenewal of the skin cells at a small irritation; the formulationcomprises a mixture of organic acids derivatives thereof taken in acertain proportion, an anti-irritation agent, antioxidants othersubstances traditionally applied in cosmetics and dermatology. Inpreferred embodiments, keratolytic agents are used, which do not causeexcessive immune response. However the disclosed formulation does notcomprise the substances for replenishing sulfhydryl groups ofsulfur-containing amino acids which are indispensable for promotion ofthe growth of keratin-containing tissues.

RU 2127579 C1 (1999) discloses a preparation for care of the head skin,said means comprises a lipid base, a preservative, a fragrant, cysteine,α-tocopherol, emulsified liquid glycerides of subcutaneous fat of a seamammal as a lipid base, and methyl ester of paraoxybenzoic acid at acertain quantitative ratio of components being used as a preservative(the patent. The drawback of the known agent consists in that the addedsulfur-containing amino acid cysteine being a valuable additive, doesnot provide for penetration of metal ions into cells of the skin tissuesas well as does not provide for a complex antioxidant and preservingeffects on the composition of the cosmetic formulation.

Active ingredients of the mentioned cosmetic preparations and methodsconsist have insufficient chemical activity for binding and removingtoxins or toxic metal compounds, therefore they are accumulated in theskin, effecting further damage to the skin. Furthermore, the aboveindicated agents and methods do not offer the combination of highphysiological activity, antioxidant properties and stimulating effect,along with the binding and elimination of toxins.

Animal and Poultry Keeping

The prior art agents useful as feed additives in breeding cattle,poultry and furry animals for various aims including reduction ofundesirable and toxic substances in the products of animal origin,intensification of growth of animals and poultry, improving the qualityof fur, etc. are known.

For example, RU 2013965 discloses an absorbent additive which is aby-product obtained during clarification of wine. The additive comprisestransition metal ferrocyanide and bentonite to reduce the level ofradionuclides in the flesh of the animal by preventing transfer ofcesium radionuclides from the feed into the body of the animal.

RU 2035911 C1 (1995) discloses a method for promoting the growth ofbroilers, comprising the administration of a supplement in the form of aconcentrated vegetable extract from lucerne (alfalfa) hay, the extractcomprising water-soluble salts of metals such as Mo, Ba, Pb, Co, V, Cr,Zn, Fe, Sn in certain amounts per kilogram of vegetable weight.

RU 2109460 C1 (1998) discloses a granulated composition for feedingruminant animals and a method for producing the same. The granulesinclude a coating layer and a core comprising a physiologically activeagent. In said composition the physiologically active agent is at leastone substance selected from the group consisting of amino acids, aminoacid derivatives, vitamins, vitamin derivatives, enzymes, medicamentsfor animals, hormones, carbohydrates, nutrients, microorganisms,minerals and mixtures thereof.

RU 2019980 C1 (1994) discloses a composition for improving the qualityof fur obtained from furry animals. It comprises a carrier and a mixtureof amino acids, and it is subcutaneously administered to the animal.

RU 2145845 C1 (1995) discloses a supplement comprising ionophore,selenium, suitable veterinary medicaments, a carrier, diluent, filleradjuvant. The supplement is administered to animals in capsules forprolonged release and increases the weight gain of the animals, preventsdiseases of the animals owing to the increased consumption of the activeingredients of the supplement.

RU 2067398 C1 (1996) discloses a feed additive and a method for feedingturkey, wherein the novel use is made of the known synthetic4,9,11-triene steroids, in particular, trenbolone acetate, as a feedadditive for oral administration instead of their subcutaneousadministration used previously.

However the above additives and active agents have insufficient chemicalactivity to bind and remove various toxins or toxic metal compounds fromthe body, and this leads to accumulation of the harmftil substances inanimals and in food obtained from them. Furthermore, the above agentsand methods do not provide high physiological activity, antioxidantproperties and the strengthening of immunity, in addition to the bindingand eliminating of toxic substances, the intoxication effect of alcoholconsumption.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,249 discloses a method of altering theintoxicating effects of beverage alcohol. In the immediate short term,it reduces the effects of intoxication from the consumption of more thanmoderate quantities of alcohol by reducing symptoms such as slurredspeech, blood alcohol levels. In the longer short term, it reduces oreliminates the next day effects of alcohol consumption known ashang-over. In the long run, the method eliminates or reduces the longterm effects of heavy consumption of alcohol: depression, deliriumtremens, peptic ulcers, cirrhosis of the liver, fetus damage,pancreatitis, alcohol related death, and associated alcohol relateddisabilities.

The method is based in the consumption by the subject of Sob'r-K™before, during and/or following consumption of alcohol.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Food Production

The present invention uses vicinal dithioglycols as a food additive orsupplement. Said dithioglycols strengthen the immunity and stimulateessential physiologic processes such as glycolysis, metabolism of lipidsand metal ions, and enzymatic processes. They may bind various radicalsand inhibit undesirable processes in the body and in food, such asperoxidation of fatty acids. It is found that the beneficial effect ofvicinal dithioglycols, in addition to their known properties, isconnected with their ability of the physiologically irreversible bindingof carbonyl compounds present in food and in the body, including thebinding of ketone bodies formed in the body, as well as with theirability to form complexes with bivalent metal ions, providing thephysiologically beneficial effect on transportation of said ions throughthe membranes of cells, on glycolysis, on enzymatic catalysis, oncatabolism of amino acids molecules and on thiol-disulfide balance inthe metabolism of amino acids. In addition to the above statedadvantageous effects, the use of vicinal dithioglycols in food productsallows to extend their shelf life, to create new healthy products, todevelop novel dietary products, to add to their nutritional value and toenhance the physiological activity of the food products, to offer morefood additives and supplements for consumers.

The objects of the invention are achieved by means of the use, in a foodadditive or supplement for novel food products, of vicinal dithioglycolshaving general formula (I):

wherein R is —H, —COOH, or —SO₃H, and

X is —H, —COOH, —OH, —CH₂—COOH, —CH₂—SO₃H, or —CH₂—O—CH₂—SO₃H;

or acceptable salts of the dithioglycols having groups —OH, COOH, or—SO₃H, which are able to form a salt.

According to the present invention, a composition of the additive orsupplement is provided, which comprises vicinal dithioglycol and acarrier in amount of up to 99.9999 wt. % of the total weight of thecomposition.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method forproducing a food additive or supplement, the method comprises mixingvicinal dithioglycol and a carrier; the carrier being used in amount ofup to 99.9999 wt. % of the total weight the composition.

In the present invention various carriers or fillers may be useful, suchas flavors, fragrances, coloring agents, biologically activeingredients, mineral substances and salts thereof, vitamins, enzymes,preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, pH buffering agents,antioxidants, vegetable extracts, products of animal origin, seaproducts, extracts from the products of animal origin or sea products,animal and vegetable proteins or protein extracts, amino acids,carbohydrates, lipids, alcohols, oils, water, soda water or mineralwater of any ionic composition, organic acids, organic materials such asproducts of metabolism of microorganisms, products of biosynthesis,products of photosynthesis, microbial biomes or extract of the biomassproduced by any known method, food additives or other ingredientsappropriate for food application, or any combination of the abovesubstances taken in the desired proportion and produced by any knownphysical or chemical method of treatment, maintaining or not maintainingor enhancing their biological activity.

In its further aspect, the present invention provides a food productcomprising mixing a food base with vicinal dithioglycol, or with thefood additive or supplement comprising vicinal dithioglycol, in a ratioin weight percents:

vicinal dithioglycol, or a food additive or supplement 0.0001–49comprising vicinal dithioglycol food base the rest

The advantageous result in the above aspects relating to the product andmethod may be achieved with any appropriate food base.

A food base of the food product may further comprise other additivessuch as flavoring agents, fragrances, coloring agents, biologicallyactive ingredients, minerals or their salts, vitamins, enzymes,preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, pH buffering agents,antioxidants, vegetable extracts, products of animal origin, seaproducts, extracts of the animal products or sea products, animalproteins, vegetable proteins, extracts of animal and vegetable proteins,amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, alcohols, oils, water, potablemineral water having any ionic composition, organic acids, organicsubstances such as metabolic products of microorganisms, products ofbiosynthesis, products of photosynthesis, microbial biomass, extract ofthe microbial biomass produced by any known method, traditional foodadditives or ingredients, or any mixture thereof.

A food base of a product may be a beverage. Advantageously, the productwill be an alcoholic drink or a soft drink or a mixture thereof.

The alcoholic drink according to the present invention will comprise amixture of water and ethyl alcohol in any proportion (i.e. aqueousethanol solution).

The product may be any alcoholic drink, but advantageously it will bevodka, liqueur, e.g. liqueur having fruit flavor, schnapps, cognac,brandy, whisky, gin, rum, calvados, sake, tequila or any other liquor,wine, vermouth, champagne or any other effervescent wine, beer or analcoholic drink having a lower content of alcohol.

Soft drink according to the present invention may comprise potable watertaken in a liquid state or solid state (in the form of ice), includingmineral water having any composition, fruit juice, vegetable juice, orany mixture thereof in any combinations and proportions; the soft drinkmay comprise milk or milk products, tea, coffee, cacao, kissel, compoteor fruit drink.

The food base for the food product may be confectionery or asemi-finished product.

The confectionery according to the invention may be advantageouslycaramel, marmalade, chewable marmalade, expanded (whipped) confectionerycomprising texturing agents, baked confectionery, chewing gum, icecream, or chocolate confectionery.

The food base for the confectionery product may comprise sugar, salt,substitutes thereof, or dry beverage mix.

The food base may be an extruded food product. Suitable extruded foodproducts include the products of processing cereals or potato.

The food base may be tinned product including such products asvegetables, meat, fish, fruit and berries.

Tinned fruit is advantageously olives.

The baked food base may be advantageously crackers, rolls or shortbread.

Dried fruit, candied fruit, nuts and seeds are also suitable as the foodbase according to the present invention.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the method for producing afood product, comprising adding vicinal dithioglycol or a food additiveor supplement comprising vicinal dithioglycol, to a food base in theprocess of preparing the food product, wherein vicinal dithioglycol oran additive comprising vicinal dithioglycol is taken in amount from0.0001 to 49 wt. % of the total weight of the food product.

The food base, vicinal dithioglycol, food additive or supplementcomprising at least one vicinal dithioglycol, taken in any physical orchemical state, may be subjected to a chemical treatment which mayinclude such reaction as addition, splitting, oxidation, reduction, to amechanical treatment which may advantageously include mixing, grinding,separation, vibration treatment, isolation, dilution, filtration,degassing, vacuum blowing, carbonation or saturation with a mixture ofgases, concentration advantageously using the methods of membraneseparation or methods of sorption; they may be subjected to thermal,electromagnetic, electrophysical, bioenergetic, acoustic, ultrasoundtreatment or aggregation. At the same time, the addition of vicinaldithioglycol to the food base or food additive/supplement comprisingvicinal dithioglycol may be carried out by means of soaking, adhesion,dispersing a solution comprising at least one vicinal dithioglycol,spraying at least one dry vicinal dithioglycol or a dry mixturecomprising it on the food base. The product may be subjected tofinishing treatment, advantageously such as aggregation, granulation,tabletting, cooling, heating, pasteurization, sterilization,pre-packaging or packaging.

The advantageous result may be achieved by adding vicinal dithioglycolor a food additive/supplement comprising thereof, to any food base.

As the food base may be used such products as flavors, fragrances,coloring agents, biologically active ingredients, mineral substances andsalts thereof, vitamins, enzymes, preservatives, emulsifiers,stabilizers, pH buffering agents, antioxidants, vegetable extracts,products of animal origin, sea products, extracts from the products ofanimal origin or sea products, animal and vegetable proteins or proteinextracts, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, alcohols, oils, water,soda water or mineral water of any ionic composition, organic acids,organic materials such as products of metabolism of microorganisms,products of biosynthesis, products of photosynthesis, microbial biomassor extract of the biomass produced by any known method, food additivesor other ingredients appropriate for food application, or anycombination of the above substances taken in the desired proportion andproduced by any known physical or chemical method of treatment,maintaining or not maintaining or enhancing their biological activity.

Any beverage may be used as a food base for preparing the food productaccording to the present invention.

An alcoholic drink or a soft drink or a mixture thereof may beadvantageously used as the beverage.

The addition of at least one vicinal dithioglycol to an alcoholic drinkprovides further effect consisting in imparting soft smooth flavor andtaste to the alcoholic drink, free from the strong smell of booze. Sucheffect is explained by chemical interaction of vicinal dithioglycol withaldehydes present in the alcoholic drink, binding the aldehydes, whichimproves the sensory characteristics of the beverage according to thepresent invention.

In this case an alcoholic drink may be prepared by a simple mixingdrinking water and ethyl alcohol.

As an alcoholic drink, use may be advantageously made of ready madevodka, different liqueurs, including fruit liqueur, schnapps, cognac,brandy, whisky, gin, rum, calvados, sake, tequila, any other liquor,wine, vermouth, champagne, other effervescent wine, beer, otherbeverages having lower content of ethanol or semi-finished beverages ofthis group.

Soft drink according to the present invention may comprise potable watertaken in a liquid state or solid state (in the form of ice), includingmineral water having any composition, fruit juice, vegetable juice, orany mixture thereof in any combinations and proportions; the soft drinkmay comprise milk or milk products, tea, coffee, cacao, kissel, compoteor fruit drink.

The food base for the food product may be confectionery or asemi-finished product.

The confectionery according to the invention may be advantageouslycaramel, marmalade, chewable marmalade, expanded (whipped) confectionerycomprising texturing agents, baked confectionery, chewing gum, icecream, or chocolate confectionery.

The food base for the confectionery product may comprise sugar, salt,substitutes thereof, or dry beverage mix.

The food base may be an extruded food product. Suitable extruded foodproducts include the products of processing cereals or potato.

The food base may be tinned product including such products asvegetables, meat, fish, fruit and berries.

Tinned fruit is advantageously olives.

The baked food base may be advantageously crackers, rolls or shortbread.

Dried fruit, candied fruit, nuts and seeds are also suitable as the foodbase according to the present invention.

If a food product having biologically active properties is required,vicinal dithioglycol may be added to any food product from the abovegroup, imparting immunity correction and other physiologically usefulproperties to the final product. The amount of vicinal dithioglycoladded one way or another the to food products depends on its specificapplication. When it is used as preservative for a tinned product, theadded amount of dithioglycol is selected with regard to the compositionand properties of the tinned product and to the required period ofstorage. When vicinal dithioglycol is used to impart biologically activeproperties to the food product, then its amount is selected with regardto physiological requirements and economic considerations.

The food additive comprising vicinal dithioglycol has the property ofextending shelf life (the period of storage) of the food products, aswell as of improving their quality, owing to reduction of oxidativeprocesses and the physiologically irreversible binding of carbonylcompounds present of formed in the food products. The food supplementcomprising vicinal dithioglycol has immunity correction properties too,owing to its effective physiologically irreversible binding of carbonylcompounds which are present both in food and body, and owing to thebinding of ketone bodies in the human body in the following reaction(2):

wherein R₁ and R₂ are any carbohydrate radicals or hydrogen, thereaction products being stable, water soluble and easily removable fromthe body. Furthermore, the effect of vicinal dithioglycols on the immunesystem and other systems of the human body is achieved by their abilityto stimulate physiologically beneficial processes in the body and toinhibit undesirable processes. Accomplished studies have shown thatvicinal dithioglycols, in addition to the immunity correction (orimmunity modification), also demonstrate immunostimulating effect,subject to the method of application, its specific target and state ofhealth.

The advantageous result is achieved owing to prompt and physiologicallyirreversible interaction between vicinal dithioglycol and carbonylcompounds present both in food products and in the human body, owing tothe binding of ketone bodies in the reaction (2) resulting in formationof cyclic thioacetal or ketal which are easily eliminated from the humanbody, as well as owing to the effect on the thiol-disulfide equilibriumin metabolism of amino acids and owing to inhibition of undesirableprocesses such as lipid peroxidation.

In particular, vicinal dithioglycols include:

-   1. Dithioglycerol (“Dicaptol”, BAL) of formula (6):

-   2. Sodium 2,3-Dimercaptopropane sulfonate (“Unithiol”) having    formula (7):

-   3. 2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (“Succimer”) of formula (8):

-   4. Sodium 2-(2,3-Dimercaptopropoxy)ethane sulfonate (“Oxathi-ol”)    having formula (9):

Vicinal dithioglycols are used as medicaments providing protectiveeffect against radiation, and as antidotes in the cases of intoxicationwith heavy metals and their compounds, in particular, for the treatmentof arsenic, lead or mercury intoxication (Mashkovsky M. D., “Medicinepreparations”, Moscow, Meditsina publishers, 1988, Vol.2, pp. 181–183;and “Chemical Encyclopedia”, Moscow, Sovietskaya Encyclopediapublishers, 1990, Vol.2, pp. 91–92). The above compounds arewater-soluble substances of low molecular weight, having two vicinal(i.e. adjacent) mercapto-groups being the active sites for capturingheavy metals, radionuclides included. The chemical properties of saidcompounds are well studied.

The physiologically beneficial effect of vicinal dithioglycols on theimmune system and other systems of the human body may be furtherexplained by the ability of the dithioglycols to form complexes withions of bivalent metals, for example, calcium, magnesium, zinc, whichcomplexes provide a beneficial effect on the processes of transportationof metal ions through the cell membranes, on glycolysis, on enzymaticcatalysis, on catabolism of carbohydrate moieties of amino acids andother processes, by reaction (3) (exemplified for zinc):

The maintenance of thiol-disulfide equilibrium in body tissues due tothe presence of dithioglycol is provided owing to that, when naturalamino acids are spent in the enzymatic catalysis, the deficiency inthioalcohol group (—SH) in cysteine and homocysteine is filled fromdithioglycol.

Furthermore, the studies have shown that vicinal dithioglycols are ableto extend the shelf life of food products. This may be explained by thechemical activity of vicinal dithioglycols in respect to peroxideradicals. The preserving effect may be also achieved by virtue ofbinding carbonyl compounds present in the product or formed during thestorage.

Thus, the advantageous result is achieved owing to the complex effect ofvicinal dithioglycols on the human body; the effect combines theimmunity correction properties and chemical activity in respect toketone bodies and carbonyl compounds, in particular aldehydes andketones. The use of vicinal dithioglycol as a therapeutic antioxidantagent is known. Thus, in addition to the known antioxidant effect,vicinal dithioglycol also has novel properties of the binding ofcarbonyl compounds, stimulation of important physiological processes andinhibition of undesirable processes in the body. Such combination ofproperties allows to use vicinal dithioglycols, for example Unithiol,Succimer and other substances of this group, separately or in the formof mixtures, as a food additive or supplement to food products and as aningredient of food additives and supplements. Besides, vicinaldithioglycol may be used in particular for elimination of the hangoversymptoms, that is, the unpleasant consequences of alcohol consumption,appearing next day after the intake of alcohol, —headache, weakness andso on. In our opinion, the food additive comprising vicinal dithioglycolmay be widely used in food and agricultural products as the preservativeat the same time.

Cosmetology and Dermatology:

According to another aspect of the present invention, it is suggested touse vicinal dithioglycols for developing new cosmetic and dermatologicalproducts having improved physiological effects such as antioxidizing,stimulating and detoxicating effects on the skin, on tissues close tothe skin and on hair, and stimulating other important physiologicalprocesses such as glycolysis, lipid metabolism, transportation of metalions, enzymatic processes, the binding of undesirable radicals andinhibition of undesirable processes such as fatty acid peroxidation. Theuse of vicinal dithioglycols in said preparations allow to enhance theirbiologically active properties.

Thus, for advantageous result, it is suggested to use vicinaldithioglycols which were previously used as antidotes in case ofintoxication with heavy metals, as an active ingredient of cosmetic ordermatological compositions, cosmetic or dermatological preparations, ordermatological medicaments.

The cosmetic or dermatological preparations according to the presentinvention, comprising at least one vicinal dithioglycol demonstrateimmunity modification and antioxidant properties; it has biologicallyactive effect on the skin tissues, on keratin materials and on the wholebody; and they provide the binding and elimination of the heavy metalcompounds from skin tissues and hair, as well. Vicinal dithioglycolspreviously have not been used as active ingredients of cosmetic ordermatological preparations or in preparation of physiologically activemeans for the medical treatment of the skin, keratin material, havingthe effect of immunity modification and stimulation, protection andantioxidizing. In addition, vicinal dithioglycols were never used indermatology and cosmetology as active ingredients for solving theproblem of elimination of heavy metal compounds from skin tissues andhair, for binding peroxide radicals in skin tissues, to reduction ofirritating effect of the preparation on the skin and mucous membranes,as well as to enhance biological value and activity of cosmetic anddermatological preparations and to extend their shelf life.

The advantageous result is achieved owing to the physiologicallyirreversible interaction between vicinal dithioglycol and heavy metalions, resulting in formation of complexes; said metal including Pb, Hg,and such ions as As³⁺, Sb³⁺, Bi³⁺ which relate to the widespreadman-caused toxins. The metal-dithioglycol complexes of formula (4),wherein E represents As, Sb or Bi, and complexes of formula (5), whereinM represents a metal atom, are thermally stable and water soluble;

said complexes provide elimination of heavy metals from the body andregulation of thiol-disulfide equilibrium in the metabolism of aminoacids, by means of binding peroxide radicals and inhibiting lipidperoxidation. Furthermore, owing to the ability of dithioglycols to formcomplexes with ions of calcium, magnesium, zinc and other bivalentmetals, stimulating effect of vicinal dithioglycols on metabolicprocesses in the skin and hair tissues is achieved, providingphysiologically beneficial effects on the processes of transportation ofthe ions through the cell membranes, on glycolysis, on enzymaticcatalysis, on catabolism of carbohydrate moiety of amino acids and otherprocesses according to the reaction (3):

The maintenance of thiol-disulfide equilibrium in body tissues in thepresence of dithioglycol is provided owing to that, when natural aminoacids are spent in the enzymatic catalysis, the deficiency inthioalcohol group (—SH) in cysteine and homocysteine is filled fromdithioglycol.

Taking into account that keratin comprises sulfur-containing amino acidssuch as cysteine and cystine, the presence of at least one vicinaldithioglycol acting as donor of sulfhydryl groups, is physiologicallyuseful in cosmetic or dermatological compositions. In keratin molecules,the stability of disulphide bonds improves under the action ofproteolytic enzymes or hydrolysis. In the presence of vicinaldithioglycol, the synthesis of keratin from amino acids intensifies,providing the stimulation of keratin growth, and in relation topharmaceutical preparations, this action provides healing effect for theskin damaged by physical or chemical impact.

Antioxidant properties of vicinal dithioglycols may be explained by thebinding of peroxide radicals, which results in the physiologicallybeneficial inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the skin cells. The sameprocess of inhibiting oxidative processes in cosmetic or dermatologicalcompositions extends their shelf life. The presence of vicinaldithioglycol in the cosmetic or dermatological compositions reduces theirritation of the skin and mucous membranes, caused by lipid degradationproducts such as aldehydes and ketones. Said reduction is provided owingto the ability of vicinal dithioglycols for the physiologicallyirreversible binding of carbonyl compounds.

Thus, the advantageous result is provided owing to the complex effect ofvicinal dithioglycol, combining immunity modifying, immunitystimulating, antioxidizing properties, chemical reactivity in relationto heavy metals and metal compounds, in particular lead, tin, polonium,cadmium, antimony, arsenic, bismuth and mercury. Such combination ofproperties allows to use vicinal dithioglycols as active ingredients ofcosmetic and dermatological preparations or compositions, and inmedicaments for the skin treatment.

Thus, the advantageous result is provided by means of including at leastone vicinal dithioglycol, as an active ingredient, into a cosmetic ordermatological composition, or into a medicament for the skin treatment.

Said advantageous result is achieved by that the biologically activemeans for treating the skin or keratin tissues, prepared in the form ofa cosmetic or dermatological composition or in the form of a medicamentfor the skin treatment, such as ointment or dressing, comprises at leastone vicinal dithioglycol as an active ingredient in the cosmetically ordermatologically acceptable carrier. Vicinal dithioglycol or a mixtureof vicinal dithioglycols is used in amount of 0.00001 to 99 wt. % of thetotal weight of the preparation, preferably 0.0001 to 25 wt. % and morepreferably 0.001 to 5 wt. %. The preparation according to the presentinvention further comprises at least one additive which is selected fromthe group consisting of thickeners, fatty acids, esters of fatty acids,glycerol esters of fatty acids, silicones, surfactants, emulsifiers,fragrances, preservatives, sun protectors, proteins, amino acids andtheir derivatives, organic acids and their derivatives, enzymes,hormones, vitamins and their derivatives, polymers, vegetable oils,essential oils, animal fats, mineral or synthetic oils, vegetableextracts, animal extracts, bee products, derivatives of lipids,derivatives of proteins, pickles, microelements, tannins, biologicallyactive substances and any other additive traditionally used in the fieldof cosmetics and dermatology. According to one embodiment, thebeneficial effect of the preparation may be enhanced by adding a saltsolution comprising ions of magnesium, calcium or another bivalentmetal. Vicinal dithioglycols are able to form water-soluble complexeswith ions of bivalent metals; said complexes easily pass through thecell membranes, activating transportation of ions of said metals.According to another embodiment, the effectivity of the preparation maybe improved by the addition of proteins to the composition of thepreparation; the group of useful proteins comprises collagen, keratin orderivatives thereof, for example, their hydrolyzates. Said proteinsimprove the adsorbing property of the preparation, which is useful, forexample, in shampoos and hair sprays. The combined action of vicinaldithioglycol and hydrolyzate of any one of the indicated proteinsactivates the regeneration of the skin and hair cells, compensates thedeficit of amino acids, normalizes the skin hydration. The providedeffect is a characteristic feature of vicinal dithioglycols, becausethey may be called promoters of biologically active substances. Incombination with the sources of bivalent metals, vicinal dithioglycolspromote the penetration of metal ions through the cell membranes; incombination with hydrolyzates of sulfur-containing proteins theyactivate synthesis of keratin. In other combinations vicinaldithioglycols are able to provide other physiologically beneficialeffects. They will find many applications in cosmetics also owing to thefact that some of them, for example Unithiol, are water solubleantioxidants.

Advantageously, the cosmetically or dermatologically acceptable base ofthe preparation is water or a mixture of water and at least onecosmetically acceptable solvent. In this embodiment, water may bepreliminary subjected to special treatments such as demineralization,degassing, distillation, carbonation or saturation with a mixture ofgases, electrophysical treatment, electromagnetic treatment, acousticand in particular ultrasonic treatment, membrane filtration,bioenergetic treatment. Cosmetically acceptable solvents may be selectedfrom the group consisting of monoatomic alcohols, polyatomic alcohols,glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and mixtures thereof.

The desired result may be achieved irrespectively of the specific formof vicinal dithioglycol present in the composition. For example, it maybe diluted in a cosmetically or dermatologically acceptable carrier orit may be in the form of a dispersion of particles.

Preferably, the preparation comprising at least one vicinal dithioglycolis destined for a topical application, that is, on the skin and inparticular on the skin of the head and on keratin-containing materialand in particular on human hair. The preparation may be in the form of agel, ointment, emulsion, thick cream, liniment, balsam, lotion, foam,shampoo, hair spray, or it may be in the form of a means for the hairtreatment such as rinsing, coloring, discoloring (blonding),hairdressing, hair straitening, hair waving, hair fixing; it may be inthe form of a means for the skin treatment such as an ointment, mask,tonic means, cleaner, spray, powder including liquid powder, compactpowder, cosmetic pencil, or in any other traditional form used in thefield of cosmetology or dermatology.

The desired result may be achieved irrespectively of the specificpackaging of the preparation. The preparation may be packaged, forexample, in a tube, small jar, or vial made of resilient andnon-resilient materials, a pulverizer or an aerosol container to obtainspray or foam.

Advantageously, the preparation comprising at least one vicinaldithioglycol should be in contact with the skin or keratin-containingtissues such as hair, in order to provide the desired effect. Saidcontact may be accomplished for example by applying the preparation onthe skin or hair. Alternatively, the contact may be accomplished byapplying a material, on which the preparation according to the inventionis applied. After the treatment, the applied preparation may becompletely or partially removed, if it is necessary, for instance, withthe use of a special hygienic sponge or by washing.

Animal and Poultry Keeping

Further aspect of the present invention relates to the novel use ofvicinal dithioglycols and it is directed to the development ofphysiologically active agents having immunostimulating, antioxidizingand detoxicating effects on the body of animals and poultry, and whichare able to stimulate other important processes such as glycolysis,metabolism of lipids, transportation of metal ions, enzymatic processes,

to bind radicals as well as to inhibit undesirable processes such asperoxidation of fatty acids. The use of vicinal dithioglycols will allowto activate the beneficial properties of the feed and feed additives.

According to the present invention, it is suggested to use vicinaldithioglycols used previously as antidotes against the intoxication withheavy metals, as a physiologically active agent in the feed or feedadditive for animals and poultry. Said agent has the immunostimulatingand antioxidant properties; it has a biologically active effect on theanimal body and it provides the binding and elimination of the heavymetal compounds from animals and poultry.

Thus, it is suggested to use vicinal dithioglycols as an activeingredient in the physiologically active composition of the feedadditive or feed supplement, or in the preparations for inhalation,injection and implantation. Until recently vicinal dithioglycols wereused in medicine only as antidotes or radioprotecting agents, andsometimes for different aims, but they were never used as an activeingredient for a feed supplement or as a physiologically active agentfor peroral administration to animals and poultry to obtainimmunostimulating and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, vicinaldithioglycols were never used in the livestock keeping as an activeingredient of feed additives for elimination of heavy metals from milkand meat products, as well as for improving dietary value and biologicalactivity of the feed.

The advantageous result according to the present invention is achievedby physiologically irreversible interaction between vicinal dithioglycoland heavy metal ions, which form complexes including lead, mercury,As³⁺, Sb³⁺, Bi³⁺ and other heavy metals relating to the widespreadcontaminants of feed and, consequently, of milk and meat. Thedithioderivatives of formula (4), wherein E represents As or Sb or Bi)and complexes with metals of formula (5) (wherein M represents a metal)are thermodynamically stable and water soluble:

that provides for excretion thereof from the body of animals, as well asby affecting thiol-disulfide equilibrium in meta-bolism of amino acids,as well as by binding peroxide radicals and inhibiting peroxidation oflipids.

Furthermore, stimulating effect of vicinal dithioglycols on immune andthe other systems of the animal body is achieved by the ability of saidcompounds to form complexes with ions of calcium, magnesium, zinc otherbivalent metals; the complexes provide physiologically beneficialeffects on transportation of said ions through the cell membrane, onglycolysis, enzymatic catalysis, catabolism of carbohydrate moiety ofamino acids and on other physiological processes, according to thereaction (3):

Maintenance of thiol-disulfide equilibrium in body tissues in thepresence of dithioglycol is provided owing to that, when natural aminoacids are spent in the enzymatic catalysis, the deficiency inthioalcohol group (—SH) in cysteine and homocysteine is filled fromdithioglycol.

Antioxidant properties of vicinal dithioglycols may be explained by thebinding of peroxide radicals, which results in the physiologicallybeneficial inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the skin cells

Thus, the desired result is achieved owing to a complex action on thebody of animals and poultry of the suggested chemical compound whichcombines in itself immunostimulating and antioxidant properties andchemically active properties in respect to heavy metals and compoundsthereof, in particular to lead, tin, polonium, cadmium, antimony,arsenic, bismuth and mercury. Such a combination of properties allowsusing this substance as a supplement to feeds used in particular forlowering the level of heavy metals in milk and milk products as well asin meat of animals and poultry.

The advantageous result is achieved by that the physiologically activeproduct according to the present invention comprises at least onevicinal dithioglycol and a filler or solvent in amount of up to 99.99999wt. % of the total weight of the agent.

Advantageously, the filler or solvent suitable for the product accordingto the invention is a feed base, so that the proportion between vicinaldithioglycol or mixture of vicinal dithioglycols and the feed is asfollows (in wt. %):

vicinal dithioglycol, or a mixture of vicinal dithioglycols 0.00001–49Feed base the rest

The composition of the physiologically active product may comprise thefiller and/or solvent in amount of up to 99.99999 wt. % of the totalweight of the means.

The product according to the invention may comprise products of animalor vegetable origin, sea products or extracts thereof, organic acids,microbial biomass, extract of the microbial biomass, products ofbiosynthesis, photosynthesis, chemical synthesis, pharmaceuticalproducts, or by-products of microbiological, food or pharmaceuticalindustry as the feed base.

The feed base may be liquid. It may be sugar, or salt, or a dry mixtureto be reconstituted with water. The feed base may also be an extrudedmaterial or semi-finished product.

A feed base may further comprise vitamins or derivatives thereof,enzymes, amino acids or derivatives thereof, hormones, minerals or saltsthereof, organic acid or derivatives thereof, antioxidants,preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, microorganisms, nutrients,flavors, fragrances, or coloring agents.

The content or ratio of any one of the above listed ingredients of theproduct according to the invention is selected with regard to thephysiological reasonability, veterinary requirements and otherconsiderations including the cost of the product.

The physiologically active product for animals and poultry may beproduced in different forms. The specific form of the product isselected with regard to general and particular conditions of the animalkeeping and the physiological habits of the animals and poultry to befed with the product.

The advantageous result is also achieved by that the physiologicallyactive product for animals and poultry may be an implant, or a mixturefor inhalation, or a solution for injection.

The composition of the product may further include alcohol, oil, pHbuffering agent, saline, potable water, mineral water of anycomposition, as a solvent for the active agent according to the presentinvention.

The method for producing the physiologically active product for animalsand poultry comprises adding at least one vicinal dithioglycol ofgeneral formula (1) being one of the active ingredients of the product,to a filler or solvent so that the amount of vicinal dithioglycol or amixture of vicinal dithioglycols is in the range from 0.00001 to 49 wt.% of the total weight of the product composition.

The method may include, prior to the addition of at least one vicinaldithioglycol into the filler or solvent, the step of subjecting separateingredients or the whole composition to a chemical and/or mechanicaltreatment, advantageously to mixing, grinding, separation, vibration,isolation, dilution, filtration, degassing, vacuum blowing, carbonatingor saturation with gas mixture, concentrating, advantageously with themembrane separation methods or sorption methods, and they may besubjected to thermal, electromagnetic, electrophysical, bioenergetic,acoustic or ultrasound treatment, or aggregation.

The addition of vicinal dithioglycol may be performed by any method, forexample by surface application or soaking, by dispersing and/or sprayingthe solution comprising at least one vicinal dithioglycol; then theproduct may be subjected to a final treatment which is advantageouslyaggregation, granulation, tabletting, cooling, heating, and/orpasteurization, sterilization, preserving, and/or pre-packaging orpackaging.

The advantageous result is also achieved by that vicinal dithioglycolsof general formula (1) are used as active ingredients of feed additives.

Advantageously, the ration of animals and poultry comprisesphysiologically active agents, feeds or feed additives, which comprisevicinal dithioglycols of general formula (1) or which are produced bythe methods comprising the step of adding vicinal dithioglycols ofgeneral formula (1).

Thus, the present invention is directed to the use of vicinaldithioglycols as active ingredients of physiologically active agents,suitable also as feed additives to the ration, as the feed ingredients,as ingredients of the preparations for injection, implantation orinhalation. The active agent for the animals and poultry provides thecombination of immunostimulating, antioxidant properties and chemicalactivity to heavy metals and their compounds, in particular to lead,tin, polonium, cadmium, antimony, arsenic, bismuth and mercury. Saidcombination of properties allows to use this agent for enhancing thebiological value and activity of feeds; and such feeds are recommendedespecially for improving the quality of fir of the furry animals, forstimulating growth and development and the other important physiologicalprocesses in the body of animals and poultry, for the reduction of thelevel of heavy metals and toxic compounds in milk of the dairy animalsand in meat of livestock and poultry.

The Preferable Embodiments of the Present Invention

Below several examples are provided for better illustration of thepresent invention, but not for limitation of the invention.

EXAMPLES IN THE FIELD OF FOOD PRODUCTION Example 1 Production of Vodka

A 40 vol. % ethanol-water mixture was prepared from rectified spirit“Extra” and potable water having hardness not more than 0.1 mg-eqv/dm³and treated on reverse osmotic apparatus. Then 0.07 kg sodiumhydrocarbonate and 0.1 kg “Unithiol” were added to 10,000 liters vodkaand mixed for 20–30 minutes. The resulting mixture was filtered througha coal filter at the flow rate of 30 dl/hour. After other traditionalprocedures the final product was bottled. The resulting vodka had soft,smooth taste and flavor; after consumption of the vodka, the hangoverwas milder than usual.

Example 2 Dry Beverage Mixture and a Method for Producing Thereof

700 g of sugar were ground into powder for the beverage mixture. 17 gground salt, 17.5 g ground citric acid and 0.5 g disodium salt“Succimer”, all in dry form, were added, one after another, to ⅓ of thesugar powder. Each time the mixture was thoroughly agitated. 2.6 cm³orange flavor was added to the powder mixture during continuousagitation. 260 g powder of the dry fruit of sea-buckthorn and theremaining portion (⅔) of the sugar powder were added to the flavoredproduct. The resulting mass was divided in portions of 20 g each, andpackaged. Each package was designed for obtaining 200 cm³ beverage.

The prepared dry mixuture had uniform orange color, sour-sweet taste andfruit odor. The beverage reconstituted from the dry mixture had aninvigorating effect and provided significant alleviation of the hangoverstate severity.

Example 3 A Method for Producing Jelly Marmalade

To obtain jelly marmalade according to the present invention, gelatinwith gel strength 180–220 g Blum was used. Gelatin was soaked in 40 kgcherry juice having 11–13 wt. % solids content, and it was left for 2–3hours at ambient temperature (up to 25° C.) for swelling and for theformation of chelates; then gelatin is subjected to further swelling andsolubilization at an elevated temperature (up to 50° C.) in a reservoirduring continuous agitation. Then another reservoir having a mixer andheating jacket was filled with 25 kg sugar and 25 kg cherry juice having11–13% solids content; the mixture was heated up to 80° C., 15 kgtreacle were added and the mixture was boiled to obtain syrup having78–79% solids content. Gelatin solution was poured into the resultingsyrup at least at 70° C., and 2.2 kg citric acid and 0.01 g “Oxathiol”were added thereto. The mixture was dispensed into moulds through adispensing device and left until hardening. The final product waspackaged. Consumption of the product is recommended after the alcoholintake for alleviating the negative effects of intoxication.

Example 4 Mineral Water and a Method for Producing Thereof

0.02 kg of the mixture of “Succimer” and “Unithiol” in a weight ratio9:1 was added introduced to 10 l of cool mineral water “Essentuki”. Thesolution was agitated and filtered. The beverage was bottled, sealed anddelivered to storage. The resulting beverage may be used as arehabilitation means and as a means for alleviating alcohol hangover.The beverage also had beneficial physiological properties, because ofthe pronounced immunity correction effect.

Example 5 A Method for Producing Grape Nectar

For the production of grape nectar, 10 liters of natural grape juicewere diluted with equal volume of potable water. 0.26 dm³ of wine flavorwas added. The mixture of 500 g sugar and 1 g “Unithiol” was added tothe diluted juice. After agitation and filtering, the nectar was readyfor consumption.

Example 6 A Method for Producing Sugar Drops

A syrup comprising 50 kg of treacle, 50 kg of granulated sugar and waterwas prepared to obtain a sugar-treacle syrup. The syrup was boiled downto 75% solids content. 1.4 kg of crystals of granulated sugar wereloaded into a pelletizer and treated intermittently with sugar-treaclesyrup and sugar powder, to obtain sugar particles having size of 2–3 mm.The particulate sugar was moistened with sugar syrup, and then 18.0 kgof treacle was added therein, and the particles were coated with 20 kgpowder mixture comprising the peppermint fine powder and the mixture ofsugar powder and “Oxanthiol” at 1:1 ratio. The mixture comprised 0.01 kg“Oxanthiol”. The moistening of the particulate sugar with thesugar-treacle syrup and the coating the particulate sugar with thepowder mixture were carried out until the weight of the drops increasedup to 60 wt. % of the final product. Then the resulting particles weretreated with sugar syrup containing 0.17 kg food dye (tatrazine) andsugar powder. The obtained semi-finished product was subjected toglossing with 0.2 kg vegetable oil comprising 0.18 kg bee wax and 1.0 kgtalc. Then the drops were dried and screened to separate debris and theexcess of sugar powder. The final drops had an average size of 5 mm,round shape, bright-yellow color, smooth shining surface and pleasantmint taste. The drops well dissolved in the mouth. The drops accordingto the present invention should to be taken after consumption of a largeamount of beer or any other drink having low content of alcohol, toreduce the negative effect thereof.

Example 7 A Method for Producing Crackers in the Form of Sticks

To produce crackers in the form of sticks, dough was kneaded accordingto a traditional formulation, by mixing baker's yeast, salt, high gradewheat flour and water, to obtain the moisture of up to 40%. The doughwas shaped in the form of sticks and baked. The solution of “Dicaptol”(supplement) in the concentration of 15 mg/l was added to the sticks bymeans of spraying the solution on the salt crystals and powdering thebaked sticks with the treated salt. Then the sticks were packaged. Saidsticks are recommended to consume as a snack to beer, to reduce thenegative effect of aldehydes and ketones therein.

Example 8 A Method for Producing Biscuits

For the production of biscuits, the traditional ingredients are mixedwith with the predetermined amount of water to obtain the batteremulsion. As flavors, some powder spices, for example dill, were addedto the emulsion. The ingredients were used for 100 kg of flour in thefollowing amount: 15 kg of margarine, 4.5 kg of flavor additive, 7.0 kgof sugar, 2.3 kg of salt, 0.58 kg of food soda, 4 kg of carbon-ammoniumsalt, 0.021 kg of citric acid, 5 kg of starch and 0.01 kg of “Unithiol”.Then the mass was agitated and shaped in the form of biscuits which werebaked. The biscuits are recommended for elderly people as a substitutefor traditional bread; owing to dietetic properties inherent to thisproduct, it provides a pronounced physiologically beneficial stimulatingeffect.

Example 9 Food Supplement and Method for Preserving Caviar of HunchbackSalmon

50 kg of hunchback salmon roes was loaded into a caviar separatingdevice. The roes were covered with 2.5% NaCl solution and thetemperature was brought up to 40° C. during agitatition; then anenzymatic agent in amount of 300 mg of the active protein per 1 kg ofroes, and the agitation was continued for the next 7 minutes. Then thesolution with separated pellicles was poured out, and the rinsing with3% NaCl solution at 0° C. was effected three times. The rinsing waterwas removed by decantation to remove the residual pellicles and debrisof the caviar. The washed caviar was put in 3% pickle comprising 2 g ofthe supplement according to the invention per 10 l solution. Thesupplement comprised NaCl, “Unithiol” and citric acid in the ratio of1:3:1. The ready caviar was packaged in tins and stored at a temperatureof from 4 to 6° C. The storage term was extended to 18 months.

Thus, the present invention is directed to the novel use of vicinaldithioglycols as food additive or supplement having biologically activeproperties, owing to the complex effect on the human body of vicinaldithioglycols which have the combination of immunocorrecting propertiesand chemical reactivity to ketone bodies and carbonyl compounds, inparticular aldehydes and ketones. Said combination of properties, inaddition to already known medicinal properties, allows to use saidsubstances or mixtures as a food additive or supplement to the foodproducts, to increase the biological value and biological activity ofthe food products which are recommended in particular for thealleviation of hangover symptoms.

EXAMPLES OF COSMETIC AND DERMATOLOGICAL USE Example 1 Balm for the HeadSkin Care (Balsam)

The balsam was prepared having the following composition in wt. %: about10% of isopropyl palmitate, about 3% of concentrate of phosphatides withlecithin, about 3% of bentonite clay, about 2% of keratin hydrolyzate,about 2% of silicone wax, about 0.5% of an oil extract of α-tocopherol,about 0.5% of a fragrance, about 0.5% of 50% aqueous solution of“Succimer” disodium salt, about 0.5% of a preservative, and the rest(about 78%) is the emulsified liquid glycerides of the sea mammalsubcutaneous fat. The obtained balsam provides the stimulating effect onthe skin and hair. The balsam may be applied on the clean wet hair andskin of the head; it should be uniformly distributed along the hair andlightly rubbed into the skin for 2–3 minutes. After 10 minutes of theexposure, the head should be washed with warm water. The balsam makesthe skin healthier, it stimulates the hair growth, resuscitates hairsand eliminates dandruff.

Example 2 Preparation for Treating a Sunburnt Skin

For the treatment of skin which was exposed to sun light (ultravioletirradiation) for a long time, an ointment was prepared, which had thefollowing composition (in weight %): about 2% of magnesium salt ofaspartic acid, about 5% of water-alcohol solution of the extract ofcamomile flowers, about 1% of vitamins A, B₁, D, E, C, PP, about 4% oflecithin, about 1% of magnesium sulphate, about 2% of sodium lactate,about 1% of 50% ethanol solution of Unithiol, about 5% of glycerol,about 0.5% of preservative, about 3% of emulsifier, and the rest isethanol. Owing to the presence of Unithiol which binds peroxide radicalsforming in the burnt dermal layers and actively restores the water-saltbalance in dermal cells by means of transportation of magnesium ion andowing to the effect of the other active components of the composition,the skin damaged with the ultra-violet irradiation is quickly recovered.The preparation according to the present invention in the form ofemulsion or lotion should be applied every 3–4 hours on the exposed skinareas with a soft tampon or absorbent cotton.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FOR ANIMALS AND POULTRY Example 1

It is prepared a mixture of physiologically active substances includingthe substances selected from the group consisting of an amino acid orderivative thereof, vitamin or derivative thereof, enzyme, medicament,hormone, carbohydrate, microorganism and mineral substance; thenSuccimer is added to the mixture, and the mixture is agitated; theresulting composition is coated with a protective layer and granulated.The obtained granulated composition may be used as a feed additive forruminants; this composition allows to significantly reduce the level oflead and mercury in milk of dairy cows.

Example 2

A mixture is prepared, comprising amino acids lysine and cystine“Unithiol” and acetyl cellulose (as the filler), then the mixture issubjected to mild heating and moulding in tablets. The obtainedpreparation may be administered to furry animals subcutaneously, as animplant.

Example 3

For prevention of early senescence of the pet dogs and cats, aninjection solution was prepared by means of adding an aqueous solutionof Unithiol and other known active ingredients belonging to the group ofamino acids and vitamins, to a physiological salt solution. The preparedsolution was intramuscularly injected to the animals.

Example 4

Feed ration for broilers included a feed additive comprising an elevatedlevel of heavy metals and arsenic. To reduce the level of saidsubstances in the meat of broilers, the mixture of Succimer and Unithiolat 2:3 ratio was added to their ration for one week prior to slaughter.The mixture of vicinal dithioglycols was used in the form of an aqueoussolution prepared for drinking, said solution comprised 100 mg of thedry mixture per one liter of the drinking solution.

The solution provided a positive effect; the content of mercury,cadmium, lead and zinc in the white and red meat of broilers did notexceed allowed levels.

Example 5

The experimental data have been obtained at the Chair of Stockfeedingand Feed Production of the Saint-Petersburg State Academy of VeterinaryMedicine on request of the authors of the present invention.

A full-ration mixed-fodder was checked for the absence of pathogens andused for feeding broilers. Thirty 15 days broilers were divided into onecontrol and 4 experimental groups having 6 chickens each (3 male and 3female chickens). Poultry were kept in a four-deck pen. The conditionsof feeding such as the basic ration (BR) and the addition of Unithiolaccording to the protocol were as follows:

Experimental group 1: BR+1.3 mg of “Unithiol” per 1 kg of the bodyweight;

Experimental group 2: BR+1.7 mg of “Unithiol” per 1 kg of the bodyweight;

Experimental group 3: BR+2.1 mg of “Unithiol” per 1 kg of the bodyweight;

Experimental group 4: BR+2.5 mg of “Unithiol” per 1 kg of the bodyweight.

Feeding was performed in accordance with experimental protocol; broilersreceived water ad libitum; the experiment was carried out for 42 days.

In result of the experiment, optimal amounts of “Unithiol” in the rationhave been found. The presence of “Unithiol” in the ration in amount ofabout 1.7 mg per 1 kg of the body weight demonstrated the growthstimulating effect beginning from the 15^(th) day. The average weightgain in this group was the largest, namely up to 35.8 g per day, and thegain rate was 145.9% from that in the control group. Featheringcondition improvement and increased fodder consumption were noted. Thelevel of cadmium, zinc, lead and copper in meat and liver of poultry inthe experimental groups was about 1.5 times lower than that in thecontrol group. The experimental data allow to recommend the wideapplication of “Unithiol” as an active ingredient of the feed additivefor broilers.

Example 6

An experiment was conducted, on the inventors' initiative, on theexperimental base of the All-Russia research and technological institutefor aviculture (VNITIP) during which a study was given to the followingtasks:

-   -   determination of an effect produced by unithiol (DMPS) on the        productivity and meat quality of broiler chickens;    -   effect produced by unithiol on the accumulation of heavy metal        compounds (mercury, cadmium, lead) in various tissues of        poultry.

The experiment was carried out in a vivarium on broiler chickens of onecross. Poultry was grown in cell batteries from one day to six-week age.The operating parameters and feeding level met the recommendation VNITIP1999. The experiment was conducted according to the diagram on Table I.

TABLE I Experimental diagram Feeding period days from . . . to . . .Group Heavy No Characteristic of group metals Unithiol 1 Basic ration(BR) — — 2 BR + 17 mg of unithiol — 15–42 For I kg of feed 3 BR +mercury 2 mg/kg + 15–42 — cadmium 8 mg/kg + lead 100 mg/kg/heavy metals(HM) for I kg of feed/ 4 BR + HM + 17 mg of unithiol for 1 15–42 15–42kg of feed 5 BR + HM + 34 mg of unithiol for I kg 15–35 36–42 of feed

The poultry population: 1 and 2 groups, 35 heads each; 3,4,5 groups—6heads each.

Indices taken into account in the experiment:

1. Chicks' individual live weight; weighing at the age of one day, 2-,4-, 6 weeks.

2. Average daily live weight increase of the broilers over a 6-weekperiod.

3. Safety of the poultry population, the daily record keeping of thebroilers lost, with the causes of murrain established.

4. Feathering conditions, individual evaluation.

5. Feed consumption over a period of growing by way of the daily recordkeeping and weighing of specifies feed for each and every group, ascalculated per head and per kg of live weight increase.

6. Dressed small carcass mass, individually weighing in slaughtering atthe age of 6 weeks.

7. Dressed yield of meat as calculated.

8. Classification of small carcasses according to GOST 25391-82.

9. Meat qualities by way of anatomically dressing the small carcasses ofbroilers.

10. Chemical meat composition on terms of a dry substance.

11. Amino acid meat composition.

12. Fatty acid meat composition.

13. Contained heavy metal residual compounds (mercury, cadmium, lead) inmixed feed for the broilers.

14. Evaluation of the level of meat contamination and internal organs(liver and kidneys) of the broilers with heavy metal salts.

TABLE 2 Broiler chickens, live weight, dynamics (in grams) Group No Age1 2 3 4 5 Daily 42.8 42.9 42.9 42.8 42.9 2 weeks 336.0 334.0 335.0 332.0335.0 4 weeks 1010.0 993.4 906.6 930.0 881.7 6 weeks 1823.0 1890.51726.0 1880.0 1780.0

TABLE 3 Broiler chickens, average daily gain Group No Age, weeks 1 2 3 45 1–2 20.9 20.8 20.9 20.7 20.9 2–4 47.9 47.1 40.8 42.7 39.1 4–6 59.564.1 58.5 62.1 64.2 1–6 42.3 44.0 40.1 41.8 41.4

TABLE 5 Broiler chickens, safety, % Group No Age, weeks 1 2 3 4 5 2 100100 100 100 100 4 100 100 100 100 100 6 97.2 100 83.3 100 83.3

TABLE 6 Broiler chickens, average daily gain in live weight Group NoIndex 1 2 3 4 5 Feed consumption per 3730 3670 3860 3750 3780 head, grFeed consumption per 2.09 1.98 2.29 2.13 2.17 kg of gain in live weight,kg

TABLE 7 Broiler chickens, carcasses, meat yield, commercial qualitiesDressed carcasses, Meat yield, Inflamed Meat category, % Group weight,gr % sores, % 1 2 1 1261 69.2 14.7 82.4 17.6 2 1310 69.3 14.2 88.6 11.43 1133 65.7 — 40.0 60.0 4 1217 67.6 — 66.7 33.3 5 1215 68.3 — 60.0 40.0

TABLE 11 Broiler chickens, chemical meat composition, % Group No Index 12 3 4 5 Water 70.0 70.4 73.28 73.0 73.28 Protein 19.32 19.68 21.41 21.9221.52 Fat 8.46 7.79 2.58 2.72 2.52 Ash 0.94 0.99 1.07 1.07 1.14 Dry28.72 28.46 25.06 25.71 25.18 substance

TABLE 13 Broiler chickens, fatty acid meat composition, mg per 100 gr ofproducta Group No Name of acids 1 2 3 4 5 Fatty acids (total) 29.9729.58 26.73 26.96 26.71 Including: Saturated and monounsaturated 25.1522.88 20.91 20.41 19.99 Including: Myristic 0.20 0.22 0.21 0.15 1.29Isomyristic 0.19 0.16 0.25 0.06 0.06 Pentadecanoic 0.15 0.12 0.28 0.050.07 Palmitic 7.72 7.05 6.72 6.13 5.73 Stearic 2.44 2.44 2.49 3.37 3.57Palmitoleic 2.55 2.25 1.76 1.71 1.59 Heptadecanoic 0.80 0.24 0.35 0.410.14 Heptadecynoic 0.15 0.14 0.19 0.11 0.08 Oleic 10.87 0.13 8.46 8.397.40 Isopentadecanoic 0.08 0.14 0.20 0.03 0.06 Polyunsaturated 4.82 6.705.82 6.55 6.72 Including: Linoleic 4.45 6.41 5.38 6.30 6.54 Linolenic0.37 0.29 0.44 0.25 0.18

TABLE 14 Heavy metal content, mg/kg Material Group No investigated MPC 12 3 4 5 MERCURY Liver 0.1 0.061 0.039 4.37 2.18 1.12 Kidneys 0.1 0.0850.055 3.50 2.00 1.05 Muscular 0.02 Not Not found 1.09 0.375 0.328 tissuefound Mixed feed 0.1 0.01 0.01 2.01 2.01 2.01 CADMIUM Liver 0.3 0.0570.049 3.90 2.98 2.30 Kidneys 0.3 0.103 0.078 4.96 3.76 2.97 Muscular0.03 Not Not found 0.53 0.37 0.24 tissue found Mixed feed 0.4 0.13 0.138.13 8.13 8.13 LEAD Liver 0.6 0.62 0.40 6.11 4.80 3.40 Kidneys 0.6 0.980.67 10.0 8.50 7.00 Muscular 0.2 Not Not found 1.44 0.83 0.54 tissuefound Mixed feed 5.0 1.55 1.55 101.55 101.55 101.55 ZINC Liver 100 118.4104.1 104.5 107.2 104.3 Kidneys 100 119.1 95.3 98.8 103.1 98.2 Muscular50 54.4 50.2 50.7 50.4 50.3 tissue Mixed feed 100 158.2 158.1 158.2158.1 158.2

Conclusion

As a result of experiment it has been established:

1. The broilers of Group 2 have higher rates of growth thanks tounithiol added to ration in an amount of 17 mg/kg of feed since 2-weekage.

2. The increased doses of heavy metal salts have exerted a negativeinfluence on the safety of broiler chickens. The use of unithiol in thecomposition of feed additive in the 2^(nd) and 4^(th) test groupsproduced a favourable effect on the safety of poultry; the 100% safetyof the poultry population has been obtained in these groups.

3. The lowest feed consumption for 1 kg of gain in live weight has beenobserved in the 2^(nd) group (1.98 kg) where the broilers receivedunithiol in ration. The use of unithiol, as an additive in feed in the4^(th) and 5^(th) groups has likewise improved feed remuneration withproducts.

4. The application of unithiol made it possible to obtain the highestlevel of the dressed yield of meat and also good fatness.

5. The use of unithiol in the composition of feed made it possible toimprove some of the indices of chemical meat composition (as to fat anddry substances), fatty acid composition (biological value as to fattyacids has been enhanced on account of an increased polyunsaturated fattyacid content in chicken meat).

6. The use of unithiol enabled one to considerably reduce a heavy metalsalt content in the depositing organs and meat of the broiler chickens.

7. The meat of broiler chickens in the 2^(nd) group fed with unithioladditionally to feed had a highest value as to organoleptic indices,more specifically the taste and organoleptic qualities of broths.

8. The chickens of the 2^(nd) groups had the best value of featheringconditions.

Example 7

Experiment Description

The tests were held upon the offer's proposal. The Moscow scientific andpractical Center for the drug prophylactic of the Moscow healthAdministration was taken as the base for it.

The experiment was schemed as follows. The participants were taken frommales and females of different age groups and different alcohol intakehabits. These differences were shown in the biochemical results.

The control group remained as an intact one.

The experimental group—1—took in 1 l. of a dark beer of the “Klinskoie”type every evening from the X^(th) day till the X+13^(th) day. Thatgroup took in the placebo every morning from the X+1^(th) day tillX+7^(th) day, and every morning it took in from the X+8^(th) day tillX+14^(th) day the solution of 250 mg of Unithiol in 100 g of drinkingwater.

The experimental group—2—took in 1 l. of a dark beer of the “Klinskoie”type every evening from the X^(th) day till the X+13^(th) day. Thatgroup took in the solution of 250 mg of Unithiol in 100 g of drinkingwater every morning from the X+1^(th) day till X+7^(th) day, and everymorning it took in the placebo from the X+8^(th) day till X+14^(th) day.

The measurements of the biochemical indices were taken in the morningsin every group, and in the control groups—after 30 minutes of placebo orUnithiol intake.

When being treated with placebo the participants did not feel the reliefthe alleviating of the hangover symptom. The participants feld the foolhangover alleviating in 5–10 minutes after the intake of Unithiol.

The following indices of the level of the per oxidation of lipids andthe condition of the liver and the brain tissues were measured:

MDA—malondialdehyde

Triglycerides

Endogenous antioxidants:

Vit. A—vitamin A

-   Vit. E—vitamin E-   Urate—serum urate-   SH-gr.—SH-groups-   Aminotransferase:-   ALT—alanine aminotransferase-   AST—aspartate aminotransferase

In the given tables which we leave uncommented for brevity thebeneficial influence for the biochemical body indices of the Unithiolintake has been impartially presented. These indices are registeredduring alcohol intake. Unithiol has the capacity to reduce almost to thewhole extent the toxic activity of ethanol and the products of itsincomplete oxidation (carbonyl compounds) to the liver and brain tissue.That observed both in the self inner sensations of the participants andin the following biochemical condition indices:

-   -   the level of lipid per oxidation,    -   the level of endogenous antioxidants,    -   the level of the deleterious effect for lipids and phospholipids        cell and subcell components.

Control group Antioxidant system (blood) Enzymes (blood) MDA ALT ASTTriglycerides Designation, (urine) Vit. A Vit. E Urate SH-gr. [nmol[nmol (blood) sex, age [nM/ml] [mcg/ml] [mcg/ml] [_(MK)M] [_(MK)M](sec.l)] (sec.l)] [mmoi/l] Initial level Start of measurements - day X.A (f, 18) 0.45 1.6 2.1 275 374 42 35 0.65 B (f, 21) 0.37 1.9 3.7 287 36552 40 0.80 C (m, 63) 0.30 2.5 4.2 288 349 38 31 0.48 D (f, 25) 0.42 1.52.4 240 342 36 28 0.54 E (f, 45) 0.38 1.6 3.3 270 361 41 37 0.96Dynamics - 2 point Measurements - day X + 2 A (f, 18) 0.37 B (f, 21)0.40 C (m, 63) 0.23 D (f, 25) 0.46 E (f, 45) 0.44 Dynamics - 3 pointMeasurements - day X + 4 A (f, 18) 0.41 B (f, 21) 0.43 C (m, 63) 0.20 D(f, 25) 0.51 E (f, 45) 0.45 Dynamics - 4 point Measurements - day X + 7A (f, 18) 0.39 1.7 2.8 269 381 40 38 0.61 B (f, 21) — 2.0 3.4 272 390 5544 0.77 C (m, 63) 0.21 2.8 4.4 284 377 34 29 0.50 D (f, 25) 0.37 1.4 2.1249 349 39 35 0.51 E (f, 45) 0.53 1.8 3.0 285 363 52 42 0.90 Dynamics -5 point Measurements - day X + 9 A (f, 18) 0.55 B (f, 21) 0.42 C (m, 63)0.12 D (f, 25) 0.43 E (f, 45) — Dynamics - 6 point Measurements - dayX + 11 A (f, 18) 0.44 B (f, 21) 0.46 C (m, 63) 0.19 D (f, 25) — E (f,45) — Dynamics - 7 point Measurements - day X + 14 A (f, 18) 0.60 1.42.2 281 382 — — 0.48 B (f, 21) 0.46 1.7 3.0 277 397 46 40 0.67 C (m, 63)0.10 2.9 4.6 280 364 33 28 0.43 D (f, 25) 0.56 1.7 2.4 247 332 39 370.46 E (f, 45) — 1.6 2.7 281 370 38 34 0.77

Experimental group - 1 Antioxidant system (blood) Enzymes (blood) MDAALT AST Triglycerides Designation, (urine) Vit. A Vit. E Urate SH-gr.[nmol [nmol (blood) sex, age [nM/ml] [mcg/ml] [mcg/ml] [_(MK)M] [_(MK)M](sec.l)] (sec.l)] [mmoi/l] Initial level Start of measurements - day XA1 (m, 34) 0.74 1.2 2.4 265 365 39 36 0.42 B1 (m, 40) 0.81 1.1 2.0 261368 53 45 0.54 C1 (m, 62) 0.63 1.7 2.8 280 372 46 37 0.63 D1 (m, 58)0.49 1.8 2.1 289 384 49 32 0.55 Dynamics - 2 point Measurements - dayX + 2 A1 (m, 34) 0.84 B1 (m, 40) 0.80 C1 (m, 62) 0.79 D1 (m, 58) 0.53Dynamics - 3 point Measurements - day X + 4 A1 (m, 34) 0.95 B1 (m, 40)0.90 C1 (m, 62) 1.10 D1 (m, 58) 0.93 Dynamics - 4 point Measurements -day X + 7 A1 (m, 34) 0.93 0.7 2.0 210 354 93 90 0.89 B1 (m, 40) 1.40 0.81.2 247 339 91 85 0.72 C1 (m, 62) 1.20 1.1 2.3 264 328 62 54 0.91 D1 (m,58) 0.99 1.0 1.6 285 346 54 50   0.17??? Dynamics - 5 pointMeasurements - day X + 9 A1 (m, 34) 0.7  B1 (m, 40) 1.0  C1 (m, 62) 0.90D1 (m, 58) 0.82 Dynamics - 6 point Measurements - day X + 11 A1 (m, 34)0.63 B1 (m, 40) 0.80 C1 (m, 62) 0.72 D1 (m, 58) 0.54 Dynamics - 7 pointMeasurements - day X + 14 A1 (m, 34) 0.69 1.4 2.8 265 384 52 41 0.65 B1(m, 40) 0.82 1.2 2.1 253 375 58 50 0.59 C1 (m, 62) 0.64 1.4 2.2 285 38945 40 0.71 D1 (m, 58) 0.53 2.1 1.7 279 392 42 35 0.64

Experimental group 2 Antioxidant system (blood) Enzymes (blood) MDA ALTAST Triglycerides Designation, (urine) Vit. A Vit. E Urate SH-gr. [nmol[nmol (blood) sex, age [nM/ml] [mcg/ml] [mcg/ml] [_(MK)M] [_(MK)M](sec.l)] (sec.l)] [mmoi/l] Initial level Start of measurements - day XA2 (m, 25) 0.51 2.2 3.1 280 384 50 43 0.40 B2 (f, 22) 0.44 2.0 3.6 286392 56 40 0.35 C2 (m, 40) 1.51 0.4 0.5 198 160 205  187  1.98 D2 (f, 54)0.70 1.7 2.4 275 319 46 37 0.57 E2 (m, 66) 0.66 1.9 2.7 279 361 65 590.89 F2 (m, 42) 0.56 1.9 3.0 290 374 52 45 0.54 G2 (m, 47) 0.50 2.0 3.6301 395 43 40 0.52 Dynamics - 2 point Measurements - day X + 2 A2 (m,25) 0.43 B2 (f, 22) 0.45 C2 (m, 40) 0.99 D2 (f, 54) 0.67 E2 (m, 66) 0.62F2 (m, 42) 0.45 G2 (m, 47) 0.47 Dynamics - 3 point Measurements - dayX + 4 A2 (m, 25) 0.58 B2 (f, 22) 0.51 C2 (m, 40) 0.88 D2 (f, 54) 0.53 E2(m, 66) 0.60 F2 (m, 42) 0.58 G2 (m, 47) 0.42 Dynamics - 4 pointMeasurements - day X + 7 A2 (m, 25) 0.42 2.3 3.8 295 380 46 41 0.43 B2(f, 22) 0.38 2.7 3.2 280 389 50 37 0.41 C2 (m, 40) 0.89 0.6 1.0 208 197190  172  1.73 D2 (f, 54) 0.56 1.6 2.4 279 354 39 30 0.42 E2 (m, 66)0.55 1.9 2.6 268 378 61 48 0.80 F2 (m, 42) 0.43 2.2 3.3 267 389 50 460.59 G2 (m, 47) 0.49 2.8 3.1 311 383 37 31 0.44 Dynamics - 5 pointMeasurements - day X + 9 A2 (m, 25) 0.67 B2 (f, 22) 0.54 C2 (m, 40) 1.87D2 (f, 54) 0.92 E2 (m, 66) 0.98 F2 (m, 42) 0.76 G2 (m, 47) 0.83Dynamics - 6 point Measurements - day X + 11 A2 (m, 25) 0.87 B2 (f, 22)1.00 C2 (m, 40) 2.43 D2 (f, 54) 0.82 E2 (m, 66) 0.98 F2 (m, 42) 1.41 G2(m, 47) 0.85 Dynamics - 7 point Measurements - day X + 14 A2 (m, 25)0.82 1.1 2.9 215 356 96 88 0.72 B2 (f, 22) 1.07 2.1 2.6 261 — 80 76 0.67C2 (m, 40) 2.16 0.4 1.5 149 179 239  217  2.08 D2 (f, 54) 0.79 1.2 1.9228 347 79 55 0.62 E2 (m, 66) 1.12 1.6 1.8 251 354 104  89 1.43 F2 (m,42) 0.98 1.4 2.5 247 376 77 68 0.79 G2 (m, 47) 0.99 2.0 2.1 275 363 8978 0.68

1. A method for treating a subject for acute alcohol intoxicationcomprising (a) providing a preparation comprising vicinal dithioglycolof general chemical formula (1):

where R, R¹ are selected independently from groups: (—H) or (—COOH) or(—SO₃H) or (—OH) or (—CH₂—COOH) or (—CH₂—SO₃H) or (—CH₂—O—CH₂—SO₃H), ora salt of said vicinal dithioglycol comprising (—OH) or (—COOH)) or(—SO₃H); and (b) administering the preparation to the subject by peroralor transdermal administration.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein the preparation comprises a carrier in an amount of up to99.9999 wt. % of the total weight of the preparation.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the preparation is a food additive and thevicinal dithioglycol is an active ingredient of the food additive.
 4. Amethod according to claim 1 for treating acute alcohol intoxication in apatient comprising administering by peroral administration an effectiveamount of a vicinal dithioglycol of formula (1) to the patient.


5. A method as claimed in claim 4, comprising administering the vicinaldithioglycol of general formula (1) to the patient in an effectiveamount to alleviate the effects of a hangover.
 6. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein R, R¹ are selected independently from groups: (—H)or (—COOH) or (—SO₃H) or (—OH) or (—CH₂—COOH) or (—CH₂—O—CH₂—SO₃H). 7.The method according to claim 1, wherein R, R¹ are selectedindependently from groups: (—H) or (—COOH) or (—OH).
 8. A method fortreating a subject for acute alcohol intoxication comprising (a)providing a preparation comprising vicinal dithioglycol of generalchemical formula (1):

where R, R¹ are selected independently from groups: (—H) or (—COOH) or(—SO₃H) or (—OH) or (—CH₂—COOH) or (—CH₂—SO₃H) or (—CH₂—O—CH₂—SO₃H), ora salt of said vicinal dithioglycol comprising (—OH) or (—COOH)) or(—SO₃H); and (b) administering the preparation to the subject by peroralor transdermal administration.
 9. The method according to claim 8,wherein the preparation comprises a carrier in an amount of up to99.9999 wt.% of the total weight of the preparation.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 8, wherein the preparation is a food additive and thevicinal dithioglycol is an active ingredient of the food additive. 11.The method according to claim 8, wherein R, R¹ are selectedindependently from groups: (—H) or (—COOH) or (—SO₃H) or (—OH) or(—CH₂—COOH) or (—CH₂—O—CH₂—SO₃H).